Are you familiar with delicata squash? Delicata squash is considered a winter squash along with its cousins, which include butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash. Delicata has a thinner skin and a smaller, more oblong shape, so it’s much easier to handle than the others. I love delicata squash for its cute scalloped edges and hearty texture. It tastes lightly sweet and earthy, like a cross between spaghetti squash and acorn squash. Delicata squash is a great addition to fall salads and whole grain bowls.
Roasting delicata squash is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy this variety. The squash is dense, but turns nice and tender in the oven while the edges caramelize. The only downside to delicata squash is that it doesn’t store as long as the other winter squash varieties. Now is the time to enjoy delicata squash!
Roasted Delicata Squash Notes & Tips
Delicata squash is easy to prepare.
Compared to its bulkier relatives, like spaghetti squash and pumpkin, delicata is a breeze to slice. Delicata squash is smaller, so you’ll need to use two to three delicatas to replace a larger squash.
Choose between rounds or half-moon shapes.
Either way you slice delicata squash, you end up with very cute shapes with scalloped outer edges. I love rounds because they almost look like flowers. Half-moons are slightly easier to prepare, however. You’ll find instructions for each option included in the recipe below.
You can eat the skin.
The skin on delicata squash is thinner than the other winter squash varieties. Once roasted, it softens and offers a subtle textural difference. The more fiber the better, right? (Contrary to common belief, you can also eat the skin on roasted butternut squash.)
Complimentary Flavors for Delicata Squash
Recipes featuring delicata squash tend to lean one of two ways. First, delicata lends well to classic fall Thanksgiving-style fare. See this Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad as a prime example. Second, delicata squash is also fantastic in Mexican-style meals, offering a sweet and hearty component that balances the spice. See this Chipotle-Glazed Delicata Squash as proof. Squash is, after all, native to North and Central America. Delicata squash is a versatile ingredient that doesn’t overpower. Here’s a thorough list of complementary ingredients so you can craft your own meal.
Accents: Bread crumbs, dates, dried cranberries, garlic, lime or orange juice, tahini, cream or yogurt Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan Chili peppers: Chipotle peppers and jalapeños Fresh herbs: Cilantro, mint, parsley, sage and thyme Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts and pine nuts Onions: Red, yellow and green Produce: Apples, beets, kale, pomegranates and mushrooms Spices: Allspice, anise, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, nutmeg Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup and brown sugar Whole grains: Brown rice and quinoa Vinegar: Apple cider or balsamic vinegar
More Seasonal Vegetables to Roast
These roasted vegetables are perfect for cozy autumn meals:
Roasted Acorn Squash Roasted Beets Roasted Butternut Squash Roasted Carrots (Three Ways) Roasted Spaghetti Squash Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Please let me know how you serve your roasted delicata squash in the comments! I love hearing from you.
